Frequently
Asked Questions

1. What's the correct
size of boot for my horse?

It is so easy to
choose the correct size of marquis
supergrip.

1.
Measurement 2.
Hoof Width 3. Size

Measure the widest part of the horseís hoof
as shown above. Then, refer to our sizing chart and
pick the correct size. It is that
easy! If you need help, contact us at 1 800 403-0689,
or one of our Representatives.

When sending in your order, please tell us what breed of
horse you are booting

2. How long do they last?

A long time!! These boots are
built for horses! One of our customers reports over 3,400 miles or 800
rigorous trail riding hours on her two pairs of boots, with no parts replaced -
and the boots are still going strong. See our
"voices" for a further story. Also,
all parts on these boots are replaceable increasing longevity of the the boot
and value for your money.

3.
Is it difficult to put the marquis
supergripon?

No, it is very easy
to put these boots on and off your horses. The boot opens up completely to
allow the hoof to be placed in the boot. No squeezing, hammering or twisting is
necessary. Once the hoof is placed into the sole of the boot (make sure the toe
is to the front of the boot), draw the clamp closed and put air into the
chamber. The air chamber, filled correctly, causes the boot to fit snug and
secure, but not tight.

4.
How much air needs to be pumped into the air chamber?

A good way to gauge the right amount of air is, when you
squeeze the air chamber between your thumb and forefinger, it should feel the
consistency of a ripe plumb. Too much air will cause your horse to feel
uncomfortable and may show signs of this by not standing still or lifting up the
feet to take the pressure off. This procedure may take
a few sessions to sort out. Once you have done the initial experimentation
applying the boots should take no longer than a few minutes.

4. Can I use one set of boots on several different
horses?

Yes, this is a great feature of the marquis
supergrip. As long as the horses you are booting are in the same size range,
you can use the same pair of boots. Various hoof wall angles are accommodated
by virtue of the unique front fastener and slight variances in hoof size and
shape are accommodated by the inflation of the air chamber.

Yes, the sole's composition
works well in the snow. For ice, just screw in the studs for phenomenal
traction.

7. How many studs do you
recommend?

4 - 2 front and 2 back. This
provides an ideal balance and traction.

8. Do rocks get into the
boot?

Rocks should not get into the boot.
The ergonomic fit contours to the hoof with no gapping.

9. Is the boot
slippery on any surface?

No. Using the results of computer cinematography, a
synthetic sole was developed, which equals the gliding and stopping features of
the bare hoof.

10. Is the boot
comfortable for my horse?

The marquis
supergrip is the optimal solution for
a horse needing hoof protection. It enables the best of both worlds: a bare
foot horse, as close as possible to its natural state, yet the best possible
protection and grip when the horse needs to work. The
concussion properties of the boot protect the hoof structure, ligaments and
joints. And, this in turn, gives your horse more confidence.

11. Does my horse need a special trim to wear the
marquis?

The boots are designed
to fit a hoof trimmed to be barefoot. A good balanced barefoot trim is
necessary. "There is a specific shape that is healthy for horses' feet to
be. The more their feet deviate from that shape, the less healthy the
foot..."Diana Wittkopf DVM This hoof wear has been scientifically designed
with a healthy horse hoof in mind. Therefore, if your horse's hooves do
not exactly match the shape of the marquis
you can feel comfortable trimming the hoof to fit the boot, and your horse will
end up with a healthier hoof!!!

12. Are they
guaranteed?

Yes, they have a
6-month guarantee.

13. Do I have to
repair the boots myself?

No. You can send the
boots back to us to replace worn parts or for servicing and cleaning. They will
be returned to you looking like they are new - even if they are years old! All
replaceable parts can also be ordered from us.

14. Are the boots
sloppy?

The outstanding ergonomic features of the boot contribute
to the pleasing overall design. Once your horse gets used to the
boots through an initial
acclimatization period, they wear and fit like a your own boots fit you.

15. What are the benefits of the boot compared to
nailing on shoes?

∑hoof protection is used only when conditions require it

∑your horse can enjoy all the benefits of being barefoot

∑there are no holes from nailing and so much less risk of
infection, cracking, etc.

∑less risk of injury when horse are loose together or when being
transported

∑less destruction of the environment than when using metal
horseshoes

16. Do the boots rub
or chaff?

As with anything new being introduced to the body there
needs to be an acclimatization period. This will be different for every horse.
Once your horse is used to the boot there will be no rubbing or chaffing and the
design of the boot is such that the fit is snug and secure but gentle at the
same time.

The fit is crucial. Accurate
measurements/tracings, appropriate trimming methods, insoles and the air chamber
all contribute to a successful fit.

17. Can they be used
over nailed on shoes?

They are not designed
to be worn over horseshoes.

18. Can the hoof
boots stay on 24 hours a day?

They may be used for
a horse that is recovering from an unhealthy hoof condition and therefore need
to be kept on for longer periods. The boots need to be checked regularly. This
would be a temporary situation. The hoof boot is designed to be used only when
needed.

19. Can I use them
for competing?

Yes,
we have several customers using the boots in competition.
To be sure, check with your local authority.

20. My horse has unhealthy hooves. Can I use the
boot?

The boot offers pain relief for horses with chronic
navicular, lame-free walking for horses with sensitive hoof soles and
poor hoof wall quality, excellent shock absorbance and care of bones,
joints and tendons with optimum protection of the hoof sole. Your horse will
realize all of the benefits from being barefoot and the boots are there when you
need them. The
marquis boots are used by veterinarian's practices in USA and Canada.

21. Will the boot hold water?

Water will not get into the boot because of the seal
provided by the air chamber. Also, the special design of the sole plate ensures
ventilation and drainage. On the other hand, if you are interested in soaking
your horses feet for easier trimming, just fill the boot with water and fit the
boot on the hoof without filling the air chamber. You can add water from time
to time, as it will gradually leak out.

22. My horse has got
laminitis. Will the boots help?

marquis
supergrip are recommended for horses suffering from laminitis by several
veterinary universities in Germany. One of the many advantages is that the hoof
can be trimmed as often as necessary, without continually driving new nail
holes.

23. Do the boots save me time?

Once you and your horse are familiar with how the
boots fit, they are on or off in less than two minutes! Clean up is simple
and fast too.

24. Can I use these boots on my gaited horse?

The
marquis boots work very well on gaited
horses. Some of our customers with Icelandic horses have noted the horse
moving much better in the boots. The only situation where the boots would
not be suitable is with a horse that over-strides/forges/interferes, in which
case the boot may get tugged off by the hind foot stepping up too high on the
front foot.

25. Where can I get the boots?

You can order them from us, the North American
distributor, StrideEquus, or purchase them from one of our outstanding
Representatives. We have several Representatives across the country.

26. I would like to become a Representative.
How do I do this?

We are actively searching for qualified and
enthusiastic individuals to represent the sale of this quality product in their
area. If you are interested, please contact us by phone or email.

27. How much do the boots weigh?

Below are the weights of one boot:

Size 0 - 1 lb 454 grams

Size 1 - 1 lb 2 oz 510 grams

Size 2 - 1 lb 4 oz 567 grams

Size 3 - 1 lb 8 oz 624 grams

Size 4 - 1 lb 12 oz 794 grams

Size 5 - 2 lb 907 grams

28. Are the boots safe for my horse?

The
marquis boots are designed by a
veterinarian and biomechanical scientist. When using the boots your horse
may experience:

*fewer joint problems

*more confidence

*no bruising

*no chipping

*happy feet!!

*longer strides

*more elevation

29.
The boot is coming off and the front wire is out of its housing. Why is this
happening?

This is because the fit is not
correct.

Check to make sure the toe is to
the front of the boot when you put them on and put the air in. Otherwise, if
there is some space at the front of the boot, when the horse starts moving the
boot will not be tight enough. It is much similar to us putting on our shoes.
We make sure that our heel is to the back of the shoe before we tie the shoe
laces. If we donít there is too much space left in the shoe and we will have to
re-tighten.

30.
Will the
marquis
boot fit a horse with the mustang roll?

Yes. The marquis is made to fit a
shorter heeled horse, not the upright trims sometimes used. We have identified
an ideal heel height range which is a guideline for horse owners when choosing
our boot. Also, the boot is completely adaptable for a horse who has higher
heels. This is done by moving the air chamber up on the hoof boot and if very
successful. The mustang roll will fit neatly into the
boot and provide optimum break over point.

31.
What are the Studs used for?

We have only one kind of studs -
used for grass riding, snow and ice.

We also sell road nails - they
are only a bit higher than the metal screws and have a head of tempered steel
which protects the soleplate when riding on stony surface and surface with
asphalt.

Studs are used for grass riding,
for jumping on grass and for ice.

In case of dry grass you can use
studs for the front boots only. For better grip on wet grass we recommend
studs for the back boots too.

32. Will the air chamber
put pressure on the digital artery?

No, The drawing shows the digital
artery passing along the side of the hoof. The main pressure of the air chamber
is applied
to the heel in the back of the hoof. In this area there areno
important blood vessels which could be affected by the air chamber.There is
no danger that the air chamber will put pressure on thedigital
artery!